Sheriff, brimming with optimism, takes Rescue reins

Jenny Sheriff (Courtesy photo)

LEBANON - Jenny Sheriff loves her new job as chief of Lebanon Rescue, and one of her top priorities is to make sure that every responder who works for the department loves their job just as much as she does hers.

The 42-year-old mother of two takes over a department that has been rift with drama and roiled in controversy for a number of years, but for her that’s all in the past and that’s where it will stay.

“I think every place has some “history”, but it’s meant to be left where it is, in the past,” she told The Lebanon Voice on Friday. “We (at Lebanon Rescue) have a new philosophy and new goals. It’s centered on patient care and transparency. It’s focused on regaining trust and community spirit that we can and should have between Rescue, selectmen and town residents.”

Sheriff became the new Rescue Chief last month after David Hutchinson abruptly resigned just a couple of weeks after being hired. When Hutchinson stepped down selectmen knew who they wanted immediately. Sheriff had been a solid second choice after the first round of interviews.

Sheriff, who was born in California and grew up in Pennsylvania, moved to Maine 13 years ago. She’s lived in Lebanon for the past seven years.

She’s married with two children, one of whom is grown up, the other a teenager.

Sheriff first became certified as an EMT in Pennsylvania in 1994. After moving to Maine she became recertified in 2003. She’s been a medic for nine years and rescue work has been her primary job for the past decade.

She currently works for American Ambulance in Kittery, Maine.

She has worked for Lebanon Rescue in the past, but dropped out for a time because she was going to school full time.

Sheriff returned to Lebanon Rescue in March to work for Ray Parent, who at the time was the department’s interim chief. His tenure ended June 30.

Meanwhile, Sheriff continues her studies majoring in psychology with the hopes of ultimately pursuing a career in medicine and attending medical school.

Familiar with ambulance billing and operations, Sheriff brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to most phases of a Rescue Department.

“I get the operations and the billing,” she said. “But doing the budgets and working with selectmen, that’s all new to me.”

Despite her new challenges of dealing with the politics of the position and healing the wounds of a department with a troubled past, Sheriff remains undaunted.

“I have a great crew and a great department that’s worth fighting for,” she said on Friday.

Sheriff said recruitment efforts show morale and positive momentum are building. The department, which had seen its ranks dwindle through the winter, has swelled to 27 strong.

And she said more licensed responders are finishing classes and coming onboard very soon while others are in classes in preparation to join the department down the road.

For Sheriff the challenge is its own reward. Her enthusiasm is unbridled.

“I’m happy to be doing this and happy with the people I have,” she said. “I’m a very lucky person.”